Impact of Critical Water Main Break on Zoo Operations
On June 5, the City of Calgary experienced a significant water emergency which continues today. We’re working very closely with the City of Calgary and Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) to adjust our daily operations to ensure compliance with the Stage 4 City Mandatory Water Restrictions in place, while ensuring the safety, health and well-being of the animals we love and care for.
Here’s how we’re adapting:
- Essential animal water stations will be maintained to ensure our animals’ well-being.
- Our Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team has implemented dry cleaning methods wherever and adjusting the frequency of habitat pool cleaning schedules.
- Our irrigation systems are turned off
- Our water fountains will remain on for now however we encourage visitors to bring water bottles or purchase water onsite
We appreciate your understanding as we make these necessary adjustments to support our community.
Animal Viewing Impacts
Indoor Gorilla Habitat: From July 2 until approximately the end of the month, the western lowland gorilla troop will not be viewable in their indoor African Rainforest habitat while work is done on the viewing windows. The troop will be viewable in their outdoor habitat throughout the project (weather and animal participation permitting). The rest of the African Rainforest building will remain open and accessible throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
African Savannah Yard: Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until the end of the year while we complete exciting upgrades in the African Savannah Yard, including the construction of a new Savannah Barn for the animals. Our giraffe tower will continue to be viewable throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is presently closed.
Why the closure? It’s nesting season for our owls! Our great grey owls, especially the younger members of our parliament, can become protective of their nests and territory during this time. To support their natural behaviors and prioritize safety for both our birds and visitors, we’re taking a proactive step by temporarily closing the habitat. Thank you for your understanding.
